Costco fans chime in

In today's column (available at mcall.com) I asked readers who like Costco stores to explain to me what all the fuss is about -- why this particular shopping-club chain is so desirable that securing a Lehigh Valley location has fueled much of the public support for the proposed Hamilton Crossings shopping center in Lower Macungie Township.

Here are some of the responses. Thanks folks!

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Dan -

Costco has a bigger role in society than simply another big-box/warehouse store. Yes, they have good-quality merchandize (in huge packages). Yes, they stand behind their products without question. What makes the company and its stores attractive to me is the way they treat their employees. Costco pays their employees well, gives them medical benefits, and contributes to the community. Look at Costco employees' badges and see the number of years of service they have with the company. It's not a traditional retailer.

I've shopped at Sam's Club at Airport Center a few times, and I'm struck every time I go in by how efficient it is, and how I can do self-check at the cashier's and avoid the lines I usually find at the Montgomeryville Costco. I also see the inspirational quote above the door by one of the Walton sisters. Then I reflect on the "Walmartization" of American retailing, and I think about how they cut costs to the bone, the jawdropping wealth of the family, and the company's meager philanthropic work. It pushes me back to Costco. I welcome Costco's arrival in the Lehigh Valley (though maybe not at the proposed location) along with a future Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods.

--John Marquette, Bethlehem

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We go to the Bridgewater Costco several times a year to shop. It is easier and quicker to get there than the Montgomeryville one. In my opinion they have a better selection of and higher quality merchandise than what Sam's Club or BJ's sells. Costco stores are clean, well lit, and have wide isles. They also have a better on-line website than Sam's or BJ's. But we still shop at the Sam's Club and BJ's here.

They are supposedly building a Costco in Flemington on Route 31 near the high school and Lowes/Walmart. It is supposed to open by the end of 2014. This will make the traffic on Rt 31 there worse.

Although they have to do traffic studies before getting approval to build any big store it is my understanding that the project developers and companies like Costco and Walmart tend not to worry about the resulting traffic mess they create. Look at Airport Center in Hanover Twp and Sam's Club, Walmart, Wegmans, Target in Lower Nazareth at 248/Rt 33.

I have memberships in all three warehouse clubs; although I only am only willing to pay Groupon or other really good special deal rates for BJ’s and Sam’s Club. The short version is that Costco is so much better than BJ’s and Sam’s Club that I am typically willing to drive to the Costco in Pottstown rather than a much shorter trip to Airport Road.

The longer version is that Costco in a point to point cost comparison is often better priced and often has better merchandise. Additionally, Costco employee attitudes are so much better along with a much stronger customer service level. I never get put into a secondary 20 minute line at the front desk for part of a purchase at Costco like a simple gift card purchase at Sam’s Club recently involved.

Nothing in Costco is rip-off priced. This past week I saw a 40 lb. bag of lime for $12.98 in Sam’s Club. I normally pay $3-$5 for a 40 lb. bag of pelletized lime at other local businesses. The other two warehouse clubs sometimes offer really good special membership deals for a reason, they have to!

--Tom Bzik, Lower Macungie Township

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Dan,

All you need to do is google Cosco CEO, employee wages and benefits and unionization and you'll understand why any community would want this company in its area.

Employees attitude is happy, which is reflected in customer service and company profits. The store would bring high hourly wages and benefits for the workers in our area. I hope Cosco arrives here quickly.

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Current Comments

I am a "Costco Junkie". I LOVE Costco! Plus, you cannot beat their prices; anything the buyers @ Costco bring into the store are marked up NO MORE than 15%. Kirkland Signature items are amazing quality.

I too have a Sam's Club, but absolutely no comparison to Costco. I only shop Sam's Club when I absolutely do not have time to drive to Pottstown.

Costco is cleaner, staff is very friendly (they all love their jobs!), never have a bad attitude, no matter what! And, the best part - they will take ANYTHING back if you are not satisfied - no questions asked!

Just sign me - "COSTCO JUNKIE"!

Posted By: Doreen Micheletti | Apr 8, 2014 10:03:37 AM

Mr Marquette is woefully misinformed if he considers Walmart's philanthropic efforts meager. He might take the time to get his facts straight: he would discover how much leadership and money the company has provided to feed the hungry, employ veterans, feed disaster victims, etc.

Posted By: Charles Yatsko | Apr 8, 2014 10:33:14 AM

Hey Charlie Yatsko,
If Walmart is so "giving", why don't they give a fair share to their employees? Did you ever hear "charity starts at home"?

Posted By: Tom | Apr 8, 2014 6:20:46 PM

I keep reading and hearing a lot of negative comments about pay scale at walmart. These claims are all 100% wrong. As an employee of walmart (regular employee-not management) I am making $12.75/hr. I started 2 years ago at $11.00/hr. This company goes far out of their way to work with employees daily lives and post schedules to meet both walmart and employee needs. They assist you if babysitter needed or transportation to and from work and many other things other companies would not even consider. Please check your facts before commenting

Posted By: george southworth | Apr 8, 2014 9:52:13 PM

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about this blog

Morning Call Reporter and Columnist Dan Hartzell is The Road Warrior, defending the drivers of the Lehigh Valley and the roads on which they drive. E-mail questions about transportation in the Lehigh Valley and beyond to hartzell@mcall.com.